India 
Star Alliance About Air India
Air India is the flag carrier of India and a Star Alliance member, now owned by the Tata Group and undergoing a major fleet and brand transformation that has unified Vistara and Air India Express under the Maharaja brand. Headquartered in Gurugram, India. The airline is a member of Star Alliance.
Carry-on Baggage
Carry-on Bag
Personal Item
Checked Baggage Allowance
| Class | First Bag | Second Bag | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Free | Included on international; domestic allowance is weight-based at 15-25 kg by fare | 50 pounds (23 kg) | 62 linear inches (158 cm) |
| Business | Free | Free | 70 pounds (32 kg) | 62 linear inches (158 cm) |
| First | Free | Free | 70 pounds (32 kg) | 62 linear inches (158 cm) |
Additional Bags & Notes
Combined dimensions of both pieces must not exceed 107 inches (273 cm). Excess piece USD 50-340 by route.
💡 Fees and allowances may vary by route, fare type, and booking date. Always verify on the official Air India baggage page before traveling.
Example Baggage Scenarios
Gurugram → London (Economy)
Carry-on: 22 x 16 x 8 inches (55 x 40 x 20 cm), 7 kg max
Checked bag: 1 piece 50 pounds (23 kg) — Included
2nd bag: Included on international; domestic allowance is weight-based at 15-25 kg by fare
Tip: Prepay online to lower baggage costs before you arrive at the airport
Gurugram → New York (Business Class)
Carry-on: 22 x 16 x 8 inches (55 x 40 x 20 cm), 7 kg max + personal item
Checked bags: 2 pieces 70 pounds (32 kg) — Included free
Priority: Business class bags tagged priority for faster delivery
Lounge: Complimentary lounge access with extra bag storage
⚠️ These are typical examples. Actual fees depend on fare type, route, booking date, and frequent flyer status.
Excess Baggage Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Bag / Per Kg | USD 15-55 per kg internationally (USD 40/kg to US/Canada/Europe/Australia, USD 15/kg to other international destinations); INR 500 + GST per kg domestic | Varies by route and booking time |
| Prepaid Discount | Cheaper if purchased online up to 2 hours before departure vs. airport rates | Book online before departure to save |
| Overweight (23-32kg) | Bags 23-32 kg charged USD 40-180 by route; bags over 32 kg not accepted as single piece | Per bag exceeding standard weight |
💰 Pro tip: Always prepay for extra baggage online. Airport fees can be 20-40% higher.
Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees
- Weigh at home: Use a luggage scale before leaving. Most overweight fees start at $50-100 per bag.
- Prepay online: Book extra baggage through Air India's website to save 10-20% vs airport prices.
- Wear heavy items: Boots, coats, and heavy clothing don't count toward luggage weight.
- Use compression bags: Vacuum bags reduce clothing volume by up to 75%.
- Check credit card perks: Premium cards often include free checked bags on select airlines.
- Join Maharaja Club: Elite members often get free checked bags and priority boarding.
Special Items & Equipment
Air India accepts various special items with specific conditions. Advance booking is required for most special items. Contact the airline at least 48-72 hours before departure.
Important: All special items require advance reservation. Airport acceptance is not guaranteed without pre-booking. Fees shown are estimates — actual prices vary by route, season, and availability.